Message from the Chairman and Artistic Director

Welcome to the sixteenth Leeds International Pianoforte Competition (26 August to 13 September 2009), which was founded in 1961. Since then we have received thousands of applications from aspiring young pianists. Hundreds of these have been accepted and performed in the Competition and they have been heard by a jury, consisting of some of the greatest musicians in the world.

The BBC Proms in London are considered to be the finest musical festival in the world and I am proud that eight of our prizewinners have been invited this year to perform: Murray Perahia, Lars Vogt, Louis Lortie, Finghin Collins, Yevgeny Sudbin, Ashley Wass, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and Boris Beresovsky. This is a testament to the artistic stature of ‘the Leeds.’

Dame Fanny Waterman DBE

Many prizewinners, not just the first, have had fine international careers from entering ‘the Leeds.’ The caliber and number of engagements offered to the Competition have very often made the rest of the world aware of the extraordinary talents of Leeds competitors, which for many, has resulted in international recognition.

I hope that if you enter ‘the Leeds’ you will find it a rewarding experience. Be optimistic and good luck.

Dame Fanny Waterman, DBE DMus FRCM
Chairman and Artistic Director